VW Car Names Have Unique Origins

When the iconic VW Beetle first appeared in Germany it was called the Kafer (German translation of Beetle). Since then it has kept that name, although its most common nickname is the Bug. Danish people have come to know it as the “Bubble,” while the French call it “coccinelle” (ladybug). The Thai people may have the most unusual name for the Beetle with the descriptive “turtle car.” Whatever you call it, you can test drive the most iconic Volkswagen of all by taking a drive to Chapman VW Tucson.

Manager’s Horse Inspires Golf

The Golf is one of the most popular VW models ever, and some think the little hatchback is named after a strong wind. Golf is actually the German name for a Gulf Stream weather pattern, but other people think the Golf was named after a purchasing director’s horse. “My horse was the namesake of the Golf – it stands for top-class, elegance and reliability,” said Hans-Joachim Zimmerman. Golf was a good choice compared to some other alternatives, including the “Blizzard” and “Caribe.”

Touareg Named After Desert Nomads

The Touareg, which is the largest of the VW SUV family until the Atlas shows up on the lot at Chapman VW Tucson, not only has the most difficult name to spell, but also an interesting origin. It is in honor of a tribe of Berber nomads who make their life in the challenging conditions of the northern Sahara. Called the Tuaregs, this tribe is also called the Indigo people because the blue clothing they wear stains their skin a bluish hue. The Tiguan, VW’s more compact SUV, is a combination of the names of the Tiger and Iguana. The Tiguan has the raw strength and nimbleness of the tiger, along with the adaptability of the iguana.

Wind a Popular Source for VW Names

Although one can debate the source of the Golf name, there is no doubt when it comes to the Jetta, Passat and Scirocco. The Jetta is based on the German translation of “jet stream,” while the Passat comes from “passatewinde,” the German word for trade winds. Scirocco is a powerful warm wind that is native to the Sahara desert. Other VW names come from Greek mythology, including Eos and Phaeton, a god and goddess. The soon-to-be-released Atlas, VW’s entry into the large SUV market, is named after the Greek figure that was strong enough to hold up the entire sky.